SecretEATS is an exclusive dining experience unlike any other. Top, talented chefs and young, rising stars are invited to step out of their everyday kitchens and into a mystery location to create a once-off dining experience that leaves guests hungry for more.
Invited guests are treated to an exclusive, intimate dinner party featuring course after course of gourmet food, and premium wine pairings from some of the country’s top wine farms. The idea is simple – SecretEATS brings together outgoing, adventurous food and wine lovers looking for a decidedly different dining experience. Guest chefs take diners taste buds on a culinary journey in the most unusual, unexpected and awe-inspiring locations across South
Africa.
Founded in 2013, SecretEATS made waves on the dining scene by inviting guests to join thirty or so adventurous, outgoing food and wine lovers for a ‘by invitation only’ secret dining experience at an undisclosed location. SecretEATS has worked with some of the country’s top local and international chefs, including Brad Ball, Bertus Basson, James Diack, Vicky Crease, Michelle Theron, Kobus van der Merwe, Vanessa Marx and more.
From wineland homes to stunning art galleries, private gardens, ancient Milkwood forests and anywhere in between, the evenings are always hosted somewhere guests can’t simply go and make a booking. To add to the intrigue, the secret chef and menu are only unveiled upon confirmation of your password at the secret location on the day of the event.
Since mid-2016 SecretEATS South Africa has been on a hiatus as the founders explored the culinary tastes and flavours of Southeast Asia and established the first series of secret dining events outside of Africa. With events now hosted on three continents, SecretEATS is quickly becoming an international dining phenomenon but they haven’t forgotten their strong South African roots.
By exploring, traveling and living in cities around the world, the SecretEATS team has had the opportunity to
see first-hand how food brings people together and how bonds are made, and solidified, over a shared meal. Whether it’s on the sandy shores of Vietnam, in the small mountain villages of Thailand or at an upscale Italian restaurant in Melville, there is a magic that happens around the dinner table. Now, it’s time to come home to Africa.
The first SecretEATS dinner back in the Rainbow Nation is blooming up brilliant this Spring. While we don’t have too much, the Secret Spring Dinner welcomes back one of their all-time favourite guest chefs for an unforgettable evening in a uniquely unusual space in central Johannesburg.
As always, every dinner hosted helps raise funds for a local charity in need, an important aspect of the SecretEATS brand. This has allowed them to support and give back to the local community.
“SecretEATS is about bringing people together around a shared, communal dinner table. It is
about strangers coming together, breaking bread, sharing a laugh and, more often than not,
leaving as friends,” says founder Gregory Zeleny.
The 2018 plans for SecretEATS include a return to hosting our evenings every 4-6 weeks in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg. Space is limited and guests are encouraged to reserve their Seats early to avoid disappointment.
To be the first to know when the next Secret evening appears, interested food and wine lovers are encouraged to Request an Invitation at www.thesecreteats.com.
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
